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Deadly Irma Leaves Behind Record-Setting Flooding As Some Parts Begin To Cleanup

MIAMI (CBS) -- Once-fearsome Irma is no longer a hurricane as the tropical storm is spreading high winds and rain across the southeastern United States.

The former Category 5 hurricane now has top winds of just 60 mph, which is a far cry from what Irma brought to the Florida Keys.

Irma punished the keys as a Category 4 hurricane with a ferocious mix of wind, rain and storm surge.

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The damage there is extensive as those who didn't evacuate are no isolate due to blocked roads.

"I'm not frustrated, I'm just upset this is happening to people, to us. It's not frustrating, just sad," said Key Largo resident Pete Garcia.

Pat Croce tells Eyewitness News that he had to cancel a big Eagles party at his Philly sports bar/restaurant in Key West called Charlie Mac's.

"They are little wet and beat up inside but we'll get them fixed up and open as soon as they allow us to return. It is a bummer that we couldn't celebrate the Eagles win but it is a huge win that Charlie Macs survived Irma," said Croce.

Key West
Photo of Key West. (credit: CBS3)

In Florida's northeast corner, Irma has led to record-setting flooding in Jacksonville as streets have been turned into rivers. The city is being swallowed by water due to torrential rains and a record storm surge.

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Neighbors helped rescue neighbors as waters raged through the streets of Jacksonville.

Irma's storm surge overwhelmed Saint John's River.

"This is potentially a week-long event with the water, tides coming and going," said Mayor Lenny Curry.

Irma took a toll on most of Florida and crews are still trying to get a handle of the full extent of damage across the state. More than 6 million homes and businesses are without power.

Officials say it will likely take weeks to get all the lights back on.

Key West 2
(credit: Lauren Sullivan)

Irma also caused devastation in Florida City, reducing buildings to rubble. One of the biggest obstacles for people returning home to survey the damage are downed trees blocking roads.

Downed trees are also a problem in Miami as cars had to maneuver carefully around them.

"People think it's back to normal," said Commissioner Wilfredo Gort. "It's not back to normal."

An aircraft carrier will be anchored off Key West as an emergency center and officials plan drone flights in the Keys to survey the damage.

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Search crews plan to go door-to-door to check on residents who stayed and rode out the storm.

At least one death is being blamed on Irma as a man was killed in a car accident during the storm.

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